The 7 Wonders of Portugal

You have probably already heard about the 7 wonders of the world. But do you know the 7 wonders of Portugal? In 2007 Portugal organized an election to designate the 7 most beautiful monuments of the country and the Portuguese people decided. Let's discover together the exceptional monuments that were chosen.

1. Jerónimos Monastery

The Monastery of the Hieronymites was built during the period of the great discoveries. It is one of the most emblematic monuments of the Manueline architectural art. To achieve such a masterpiece, several architects succeeded one another, leaving behind them an imposing monastery whose ornaments are still talked about today. With 800,000 entrance tickets sold each year, it is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal.

For more information, see our dedicated guide: Visit the Hieronymites Monastery

2. National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena is a colorful palace with amazing architecture that crowns the mountain of the city of Sintra. But who had the idea to build such a palace? This amazing place was born from the imagination of King Fernando II, known as the "Artist King". Even today, the eternal work of King Fernando II is recognized throughout the world and is considered the highest representative of romanticism in Portugal.

Visiting this palace surrounded by nature is like taking a trip through a magical tale. You will be amazed by the diversity of styles and colors, while admiring the magnificent natural park of Sintra-Cascais, which extends to the nearby ocean.

More information on our article: Prepare your visit to the Palace of Pena.

3. Belem Tower

The famous Tower of Belém is a military construction of the 16th century. Built at the entrance to the Tagus River, its purpose was to defend the maritime access to Lisbon and to ensure the security of the Hieronymites' monastery. True masterpiece of the Manueline style, it is one of the most emblematic symbols of the city of Lisbon and of the period of the Great Discoveries.

The Tower of Belém holds many other secrets, it was used as a prison and it seems that it even moved by itself. To know more about this incredible story, go to the dedicated article: The Tower of Belém.

4. Guimarães Castle

The Castle of Guimarães (Castelo de Guimarães) is an imposing castle dating from the medieval period. It is located on the heights of the city of Guimarães which is considered the "Cradle of Portugal". This fortress was built to protect the population against the repeated attacks of the Moors.

Its architectural style mixes Romanesque and Gothic influences, which testifies to its long history. The castle was the birthplace of Alfonso Henriques, nicknamed the "Conqueror" or the "Founder" who is none other than the first king of Portugal.

5. Óbidos Castle

The castle of Óbidos is a castle with round and square towers that was conquered from the Moors by Alfonso Henriques (first king of Portugal). It is located in the beautiful medieval town of Óbidos, a town that was given to each of the queens by the kings of Portugal.

Today, the castle is used as a hostel and it is possible to stay there. So what are you waiting for to offer your queen or king a stay worthy of the most beautiful fairy tales?

6. Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Batalha is a splendid monastery of Gothic style ordered by King João I. At that time, the king promised the Virgin Mary that if she helped him win the battle of Aljubarrota against the Castilians, he would build a monastery in gratitude. Not surprisingly, Portugal emerged victorious from this battle and the promise was kept. The construction of the monastery of Batalha began in 1386 and was completed two centuries later, in 1517. For this reason, its gothic style gradually evolves into the so-called Manueline style and is marked by some touches of Renaissance.

Learn more about the history of this monument by reading our article on : The Monastery of Batalha.

7. Monastery of Alcobaça

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça is an impressive monument built in the 12th century. It is known for the beauty of the materials used and the care taken in its construction, making it one of the most important testimonies of Cistercian architecture in Europe.

Like the Monastery of Batalha, its history is closely linked to that of Portugal. Its construction was ordered by the first king of Portugal and it was built thanks to the gift of the lands of Alcobaça, offered to the Cistercian Order by the king himself, as a reward for the capture of the city of Santarém from the Moors.